Science journal challenges Harper to defend research cuts

OTTAWA — A prestigious scientific journal has challenged the Harper government to explain millions of dollars worth of cuts to environmental research programs and funding.

In a new editorial, the journal Nature recognized the federal government has increased spending on science and technology in recent years, but warned that cuts to specific programs were undermining "vital sectors of Canadian science" without explanation.

"Governments come and go, but scientific expertise and experience cannot be chopped and changed as the mood suits and still be expected to function," said the editorial. "Nor can applied research thrive when basic research is struggling."

The editorial comes a week after scientists staged a mock funeral outside of Parliament to denounce what they called the "death of evidence" following government decisions to cut millions of dollars in funding for federal research and monitoring programs such as the Experimental Lakes Area, a natural laboratory used to study water pollution. The government also denied new funding to preserve the Polar Environment Arctic Research Lab in the North.

The editorial noted that the critics are accusing the government of "targeting research into the natural environment because it does not like the results being produced."

"If the Harper government has valid strategic reasons to undermine vital sectors of Canadian science, then it should say so — its people are ready to listen," said the editorial. "If not, it should realize, and fast, that there is a difference between environmentalism and environmental science — and that the latter is an essential component of a national science program, regardless of politics."

Gary Goodyear, the junior federal minister for science and technology, declined an interview request but emailed Postmedia News a statement noting that the government has increased overall spending on science and technology, but makes no apologies for making the economy, jobs and long-term prosperity a priority.

"Across government we have found efficiencies and introduced measures to reduce federal spending to return to balanced budgets," Goodyear said in the statement. "We have done this while continuing to invest in key priority areas."